Papal Addresses to Bishops of Mexico: Ad Limina Conferences

Papal Addresses to Bishops of Mexico: Ad Limina Conferences

Pope Benedict XVI

Bishops' Conference of Mexico - 1
On 8 September 2005, the Holy Father received the Bishops of Group I — "Northwest" — of the Mexican Bishops' Conference on their ad limina visit. The Prelates came from the Ecclesiastical Provinces of Chihuahua, Durango, Guadalajara and Hermosillo. The Pope told the Bishops that "consistency and daring in the faith" and "unity of believers, service to the poor" are visible signs of the credibility of the Church in the face of the challenges of society.

Bishops' Conference of Mexico - 2
On 15 September 2005, at the Papal Summer Residence at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father spoke to a second group of Mexican Bishops — those from Northeastern and Central Mexico — to make their ad limina visit this year. Speaking of the indifference of many of the baptized to Gospel values, and the activity of sects and new religious groups, the Pope encouraged a more personalized catechesis, based "on the experience and knowledge of Jesus Christ."

Bishops' Conference of Mexico - 3
On 23 September 2005, at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father spoke to the third group of Bishops from Mexico that he has received this year. The Prelates making their ad limina visit came from Jalapa, Mexico, Puebla, and Tlalnepantla and their suffragan Dioceses. The Pope stressed that in "contemporary society, which shows such visible signs of secularism", it is essential for Bishops not to "give in to despair or a lack of enthusiasm in pastoral projects" and to take special care of their priests.

Bishops' Conference of Mexico - 4
On 29 September 2005, the Holy Father spoke to the fourth group of Mexican Bishops to make their ad limina visit this year. The Prelates, from the southeastern part of the Nation, came from the Ecclesiastical Provinces of Acapulco, Antequera and Yucátan. The Pope noted that Mexicans "are marked by their joyfulness and deep festive sense", which give "vivid colour to the celebrations and events of popular piety". It is the task of Pastors, the Holy Father said, to direct this "towards a solid, mature faith that can shape a lifestyle consistent with what they so joyfully profess".